This bill aims to enhance access to respite care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their caregivers in Washington State. It recognizes the critical role of respite care in providing necessary breaks for caregivers and improving the quality of life for those receiving care. The legislation proposes that additional respite care services be included in the aggregate portion of the basic plus waiver, allowing caregivers to access these funds without prior administrative approval once their annual assessed hours are exhausted.

To implement this change, the bill mandates that by September 1, 2025, the department must submit a waiver amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to officially add respite care to the list of aggregate services under the basic plus waiver. Upon approval, the department is required to update the waiver to include respite care, with a stipulation that no more than 30 percent of the total aggregate services budget can be allocated for this purpose. The department is also authorized to adopt necessary rules to facilitate the implementation of these requirements.